"Once it passes the Cape Verde Islands, Tropical Storm Fred would be over a week away from impacting any land areas," said WLOX Meteorologist Wesley Williams. "It will move westward over the open waters of the Atlantic for the next five or more days. It is far too early to call Fred a threat to the Gulf. But we will continue to track it this week."

According to the NHC, Fred is expected to strengthen steadily over the next 48 hours and could be near hurricane strength when it moves through the Cape Verde Islands early this week.

A Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Cape Verde Islands. There, Fred expected to bring tropical-storm-force winds and 3 to 5 inches of rain which could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

Hurricane season in the Atlantic peaks between August and September. Hurricane season ends on November 30th.

The WLOX Weather Team will inform you of South Mississippi's forecast on-air, online, and using social media tools like Facebook and Twitter.